MENTONE – Robert Dale Ladson Sr., 76, rural Rochester and Mentone, died at 8 p.m. April 8, 2014, in Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, after being in failing health since December 2013. He was born June 29, 1937, in Marshall County, to LaVerne E. and Mildred E. Shaffer Ladson. On Oct. 24, 1965, in the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church of Kosciusko County, he married Lois Ann England, who survives. He was a dairy farmer and worked for Petrolene Gas Company of Warsaw. He also worked as a seed salesman for Patriot, Brodbeck, Crow’s and Sunstar, and he worked for Federal Crop Insurance. He was a graduate of Talma High School in 1955 where he was an All-County softball pitcher. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard from 1960 to 1966 where he received many commendations. He was a member of the Talma Bible Church. He enjoyed his morning coffee at Teel’s, Tweedle Dee’s, the Akron Kountry Kitchen and also the former Steer Inn. He also loved traveling to the Dakotas to see family as well as going to casinos like Belterra and Four Winds. He dearly loved his grandchildren. Also surviving are his daughter, Roberta Ann Ladson, Warsaw; two sons, Robert Dale Jr. (and spouse Joanna) Ladson, Bremen, and Ryan Ladson, Mentone; a sister, Mary (and spouse Jim) Unzicker, Claypool; three grandchildren: Nathaniel, Marisa and Joshua Ladson; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lena Goss; and a brother, Lynn Ladson. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with the Rev. Ben Hammond officiating. Burial is in Sycamore Cemetery, Mentone, with graveside military rites preformed by the Fulton County Honor Guard. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
